Port Vila, 12 October 2026 - Government of Vanuatu, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this morning officially opened the APMG Certified Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Professional Training Program in Port Vila.
Delivering the opening statement on behalf of the Government, the Director-General of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, Mr. Roan Lester, welcomed participants and acknowledged ADB for its continued partnership and support for the capacity-building initiative.
Mr. Lester also recognized Mr. Amandeep Singh Virk from ADB, who is leading the five-day training. He noted Mr. Virk’s extensive experience across the Pacific and other regions will be invaluable as Vanuatu strengthens its PPP capabilities.
In his address, DG Lester emphasized the growing importance of public-private partnerships as a tool for delivering infrastructure and essential services in small island economies like Vanuatu.
“PPPs allow us to bring in private sector expertise, innovation, and financing to complement our national resources. But PPPs are complex – they require strong technical skills, clear processes, and a shared understanding across government. That is why this training is so important,” Mr. Lester said.
Mr. Lester clarified that the program is not a typical conference or workshop, but a structured, intensive learning program. Over the next five days, participants will engage deeply with PPP concepts, analyze real cases, and work through practical exercises, culminating in an internationally recognized examination that certifies understanding of PPP principles and best practices.
He said the certification is used globally to strengthen PPP units and improve project preparation, and that participation in the training reflects the Government’s commitment to building the skills needed to plan, structure and manage PPPs responsibly – ensuring value for money and protecting public interests.
“I encourage each of you to participate actively, ask questions, challenge assumptions, and make full use of the expertise that ADB, and Mr. Virk, have brought to Vanuatu. The knowledge you gain this week will directly support our national development priorities,” Mr. Lester told participants.
The training is being attended by officials from across government agencies involved in infrastructure planning, procurement, and project management.